UMVA has uncovered details about a jarring disconnect between the public platform of a California congressional candidate and his record as a local school board member.
Randy Villegas, a candidate for the 22nd Congressional District, has built his campaign on a foundation of transparency and accountable leadership. Yet, during his tenure on the Visalia Unified School District board, the body he served on quietly authorized a series of massive, confidential settlements involving allegations of sexual abuse.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the district paid out nearly $14.4 million across five separate secret settlements during Villegas's time on the board. These agreements, which resolved claims of abuse without any admission of wrongdoing, included strict provisions designed to keep the public in the dark about the details of the cases.
In at least one instance, board records confirm that Villegas was present and voted unanimously to approve a $3 million settlement. This specific case involved allegations from six former students against a kindergarten teacher, with incidents spanning decades. The resulting agreement explicitly barred the parties involved from providing any elaboration or disclosure to the public.
The pattern of secrecy extended beyond that single vote. Multiple settlement agreements approved during his tenure contained similar language, effectively silencing the victims and preventing the community from understanding the scope of the issues within the district. In one instance, a settlement was reached just before a civil trial was set to begin, shielding the district from public scrutiny.
One of the most alarming cases involved an $8 million settlement regarding a staff member who had been rehired by the district despite a history of previous misconduct. Legal filings in that case alleged that the district was aware of the individual's history, yet permitted them to remain in a position of authority over students.
While campaigning, Villegas has frequently emphasized his commitment to openness, once boasting about his efforts to grant the public access to meeting recordings. He continues to position himself as a champion for people-first leadership, aiming to bring that same philosophy to the U.S. House of Representatives.
As the election approaches, the contrast between his stated goals of transparency and his history of voting for closed-door, high-dollar settlements remains a point of significant scrutiny. Despite requests for clarification regarding his record of supporting these confidential agreements, no response has been provided by his campaign.
